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Perspectives on entrepreneurship, MBA-related issues, networking, personal branding, technology, investing, education and more…


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Can grooming talent to leave be good for business?

This is a guest post by Dr Gavin Symanowitz of FeedbackRocket.com. It originally appeared in Finweek Magazine (28 June 2012 issue).

ImageA colleague of mine related how he hired his personal assistant. In the job interview, he asked her why he should hire her. She replied simply, “Because I will make it my personal mission, every day, to make you shine”. What more could he ask for from a PA? So he hired her on the spot.

In my work, I come into daily contact with exceptional leaders and managers. I’m increasingly starting to notice a common trait among these managers. They adopt the same attitude as my colleague’s PA – but in reverse. These managers make it their personal mission, every day, to make their subordinates shine. They genuinely put the development of their subordinates above the short-term needs of the business. And, paradoxically, they are reaping the rewards. Continue reading →


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Why everyone needs a bad boss

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This is a guest post by Dr Gavin Symanowitz of FeedbackRocket.com. It originally appeared in Finweek (21 June 2012 issue).

Everyone should work for a bad boss. I know this seems to be strange advice, especially coming from someone who is dedicated to improving the quality of leadership in organizations. However, working for a bad boss can often have positive effects. Let me explain. Continue reading →


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Life according to Kayla

Kayla age 6This is a piece that my 7-year-old daughter Kayla wrote today. It’s her very first blog post (using her own grammar and spelling). It pretty much says it all.

“Be nice to everyone you see that needs help. Let’s say for example your child is lonely and anothor child comes up and sais to your child “Come lets go and play”  and your child feels much more happy. And the same gois to you. You must help other people.”


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Winning at all costs: is it worth it?

This article also appeared in Finweek Magazine in their 6-Dec-2012 issue

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In American football, Green Bay Packers coach, Vince Lombardi, famously said, “Winning is the only thing that matters.” But is winning at costs really worth it? And is winning more important than the learning that happens on the journey? Continue reading →


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Simplicity at Work

Whatever you are trying to do at work, keeping it simple will make it easier for you to get the support you need. (This is a guest post by Ruth Tearle of Change Designs) Continue reading →


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Career Women Redefining Success: On Their Own Terms

This article also appeared in Finweek Magazine in their 19-Jan-2012 issue

blonde careerwomanThe workforce is changing. Gone is the stereotypical 1950’s model of male breadwinners having a career, while the wife stays at home, makes babies and does the housework. This old-fashioned framework needs a makeover to make way for today’s working woman and the way she is redefining success. Continue reading →


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Starting an internet business in South Africa? Be a copy-cat

This article also appeared in Finweek Magazine in their 31-Jan-2013 issue

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Starting and growing an internet business is hard. Even though the barriers to entry are dropping every day, the odds of success are still worryingly low. It is very difficult to predict what the market will like and what it won’t. Is there a way to increase our chances of success? Yes, it’s called the copy-cat strategy. Continue reading →


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Is South Africa’s labour law killing entrepreneurship?

This article also appeared in Finweek Magazine in their 20-Dec-2012 issue

In a recent talk about entrepreneurship, renowned South African entrepreneur, Herman Mashaba, spoke passionately about our labour laws stifling entrepreneurs in South Africa. As an entrepreneur, this is a subject very close to my heart.  Continue reading →


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The Power of Thank You

This article also appeared in Finweek Magazine in their 22-Nov-2012 issue

thankyouSaying thank you is a small gesture, but it can have a huge impact. Continue reading →


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Idea Workshop: Captalise on New Frontiers

bright ideas to profitTake your company and your career to new places ….

All around us new frontiers are breaking open – offering staggering rewards to those who first see and seize the opportunities they offer.

Presented by Neil Hinrichsen, one of South Africa’s ground-breaking entrepreneurs, and cofounder of Fundamo, acquired by Visa for $110m.
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Whether you’re working in a corporate or an entrepreneur in your own business, this intensive 3-day workshop will show you how to DISCOVER, DEVELOP and DELIVER new ideas that open up new markets and possibilities for your company.

Limited places available. Book now and get the early bird rate!

Find out more about this exciting Johannesburg event here.

Brought to you by MBAconnect.net in partnership with Microsoft BizSpark and Enablis.